Colt USA American Bicentennial Set Dragoon SAA Python & Case, 1976 ATF C&R

SOLD FOR: $6729

LSB#: 220419JR081, 220419JR082, 220419JR083

Make: Colt

Model: US Bicentennial 3 gun Set: Colt Dragoon, Python, Single Action Army

Serial Numbers:

Dragoon: 1695DG
Single Action Army: 1695PM
Python: 1695PY

Year of Manufacture: 1976, ATF C&R (the Dragoon is ATF Antique)

Caliber:

Dragoon: .44 Percussion
Single Action Army: .45 Colt
Python: .357 Magnum

Action Types:

Dragoon: Single Action Cap and Ball Revolver
Single Action Army: Single Action Cartridge Revolver with Side Loading-Gate Cylinder
Python: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Markings:

Dragoon: The top of the barrel is marked “ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY” and the left side of the barrel is marked “1776 – U.S.A. BICENTENNIAL – 1976”. The left side of the frame is marked “COLTS PATENT”. The cylinder is beautifully marked with the original roll scene. The serial number is found on the cylinder, butt of the grip frame, trigger guard, frame, and barrel assembly.

Single Action Army: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” The left side of the barrel is marked “1776 – U.S.A. BICENTENNIAL – 1976”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”. The cylinder is unfluted and marked in a flag motif with the names of the original 13 colonies. The serial number is on the underside of the frame. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75” and with a rampant colt.

Python: The left side of the barrel is marked “1776 – U.S.A. BICENTENNIAL – 1976”. The right side of the barrel is marked “PYTHON 357 / *357 MAGNUM CTG.* / COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” The Rampant Colt is stamped on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is marked with images of US Landmarks and mottos. The crane cut is marked with the serial number over “H”. The crane is marked “11”. The left-front of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and the left rear is marked “7”.

Barrel Length:

Dragoon: 7 1/2”
Single Action Army: 7 1/2”
Python: 6?

Sights / Optics:

Dragoon: The front sight is a fixed silver blade. The rear sight is a notch in the hammer.
Single Action Army: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a notch in the top strap.
Python: The front sight is a pinned and serrated ramp. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: Each revolver has walnut grips with the United States Seal on the left. The Dragoon and Single Action Army have one-piece grips, the Python has two-piece grips. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: 

Dragoon: Blue, Case Color & Silver Plate
Single Action Army: Blue & Case Color
Python: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in any of the bores.

Overall Condition: 

Dragoon: This revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. The silver plate on the grip frame has darkened, but should still polish bright. Otherwise, there are only a few scattered minor marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-Excellent condition.

Single Action Army: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few light handling marks on the barrel, most notable at the edge of the ejector housing on the bottom. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.

Python: This revolver retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The actions function correctly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The Original Factory Wood Three-Drawer case is included. Each drawer is velvet lined and has a lock, the key is included. The Dragoon’s drawer includes a powder flask, bullet mold, cap tin and nipple wrench. Also in the case is a leather-bound book, marked “ARMSMEAR” on the spine. This book is “The Home, the Arm, and the Armory of Samuel Colt. A Memorial.” The case has some scattered minor storage wear from storage. One of the top rear corners has an impact mark. The book shows more notable wear.

Our Assessment: This may be the most important set for Colt collectors produced. The set encompasses the three quintessential firearms from three generations of Colt revolvers. The Dragoon was designed as a solution to numerous problems encountered with the Walker Colt. Although it was introduced after the Mexican-American War, it became popular among civilians during the 1850s and 1860s, and was also used during the American Civil War. It was the first of the heavy hitting revolvers that became practical for military use. The Colt Single Action Army represents not only a generation of Colt Production, but an Era of American History. The Colt helped tame the West and the 7 1/2” .45 LC SAA is a gun that elicits feelings of the Old West upon sight. The Python was the next generation. This gun shows the finest of Colt’s Modern Double Action Revolver design and manufacturing. The Colt Python is desirable. It was first introduced in 1955, the same year as Smith & Wesson’s M29 .44 Magnum. The Colt Python targeted the premium revolver market segment. Some firearm collectors and writers such as Jeff Cooper, Ian V. Hogg, Chuck Hawks, Leroy Thompson, Renee Smeets and Martin Dougherty have described the Python as the finest production revolver ever made.

This set commemorates not only Colt’s production but the free country that allows the existence of firearms manufacturing and private ownership. It was only befitting to produce a set in the finest of quality and of the finest revolvers to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the United States.

This set is rare and in great condition. It would be difficult to improve on and is what every Colt collector desires. Please see our photos and good luck!